Are You Addicted to Makeup?

Image Source/Getty ImagesA troubling new study from the Renfrew Center
finds makeup has become an addicting crutch for women. Of the 1,292
women surveyed, when not in makeup, 44 percent felt negative about
themselves, 16 percent felt “unattractive” and 14 percent felt “naked.”
25 percent of the women also started wearing makeup at 13 or younger.

The
message that women are getting, whether from scientific studies or
well-intentioned mothers, is clear: makeup is a necessity to success.
Feminist bloggers have tried reclaiming natural beauty with No Makeup Week -- inspiring women across the nation to take the barefaced plunge.

But
is that enough of a dent? This dependence on makeup not only suggests a
sad truth about the expectations of women (expectations that they have
placed on themselves and that they have received from society) but, lest
we forget the lead-in-lipstick fiasco that is still unresolved, it also poses a serious health risk. What will it take for us to stop reaching for the eyeliner?